SCHULENBURG - The significance of the Breymann Building extends beyond its age and physical presence; it embodies considerable historical relevance. Constructed in 1883, this structure was innovative for the small town of Schulenburg, as most buildings were primarily wood. The use of brick and stone in the Breymann Building represented a forward-thinking approach that ultimately contributed to the preservation of downtown Schulenburg.
Erected by Pharmacist Paul Alexander Breymann, this robust brick and stone building featured an eagle atop its facade. A pivotal moment in the town's history occurred in 1893 when a wood-burning stove in the cafe at the rear of Sengelmann’s Saloon was believed to have sparked the Great Fire of ’93. The gusty winds infiltrated the cracks in the weatherboard, igniting the coals from the stove and resulting in a rapid spread of flames to the northeast. The fire damaged or destroyed 20 buildings; however, the building material of the Breymann Building played a crucial role in halting the fire's advance. In response to this calamity, by 1903, Schulenburg established its volunteer fire department and implemented a comprehensive system comprising water storage towers, mains, and fire hydrants. On hand for the unveiling of the historical marker affixed to the front of the Breymann Building were Fayette County Judge Dan Mueller, Schulenburg Mayor Connie Koopmann, and descendants Gus Breymann and Karen Breymann.
